Light module, by example for illuminating an outer component of a vehicle

Abstract

A light module includes a light source configured for emitting an illumination beam, and an optical fiber guiding the illumination beam between a first end facing the light source and a second end opposite the light source. The light module further includes a reflector positioned at the second end of the optical fiber and reflecting the illumination beam back from the second end toward the first end of the optical fiber.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A light module, comprising:
 a light source configured for emitting an illumination beam; and 
 an optical fiber guiding the illumination beam between a first end facing the light source and a second end opposite the light source; 
 
       wherein the light module further includes a reflector positioned at the second end of the optical fiber and reflecting the illumination beam back from the second end toward the first end of the optical fiber wherein the reflector has an entry opening having an inner diameter inferior to an outer diameter of the optical fiber at the second end, which is inserted into the entry opening by force-fitting. 
     
     
       2. The light module according to  claim 1 , wherein the reflector is glued or welded to the optical fiber. 
     
     
       3. The light module according to  claim 1 , wherein the reflector has a reflecting surface receiving the second end of the optical fiber in abutment contact. 
     
     
       4. The light module according to  claim 1 , wherein the reflector has a concave reflecting surface. 
     
     
       5. The light module according to  claim 1 , wherein the reflector has a plane reflecting surface. 
     
     
       6. The light module according to  claim 1 , further comprising a lens positioned between the light source and the first end of the optical fiber, such that the illumination beam emitted by the light source is focalized toward the first end of the optical fiber. 
     
     
       7. A light module, comprising:
 a light source configured for emitting an illumination beam; and 
 an optical fiber guiding the illumination beam between a first end facing the light source and a second end opposite the light source; 
 
       wherein the light module further includes a reflector positioned at the second end of the optical fiber and reflecting the illumination beam back from the second end toward the first end of the optical fiber, wherein the reflector has an entry opening having an inner diameter equal or superior to an outer diameter of the optical fiber at the second end. 
     
     
       8. The light module according to  claim 7 , wherein the reflector is glued or welded to the optical fiber. 
     
     
       9. The light module according to  claim 7 , wherein the reflector has a reflecting surface receiving the second end of the optical fiber in abutment contact. 
     
     
       10. The light module according to  claim 7 , wherein the reflector has a concave reflecting surface. 
     
     
       11. The light module according to  claim 7 , wherein the reflector has a plane reflecting surface. 
     
     
       12. The light module according to  claim 7 , further comprising a lens positioned between the light source and the first end of the optical fiber, such that the illumination beam emitted by the light source is focalized toward the first end of the optical fiber. 
     
     
       13. A light module, comprising:
 a light source configured for emitting an illumination beam; and 
 an optical fiber guiding the illumination beam between a first end facing the light source and a second end opposite the light source; 
 
       wherein the light module further includes a reflector positioned at the second end of the optical fiber and reflecting the illumination beam back from the second end toward the first end of the optical fiber, configured for illuminating an outer component of a vehicle and comprising:
 a housing for fastening the light module to the vehicle; 
 a cover mounted on the housing; 
 an inner space delimited between the housing and the cover; 
 a printed circuit board mounted in the inner space; 
 the light source mounted on the printed circuit board and configured for emitting the illumination beam; and 
 a light guide mounted in the housing facing the light source and extending outside the inner space for guiding the illumination beam along the outer component, wherein the light guide includes the optical fiber extending outside the inner space. 
 
     
     
       14. The light module according to  claim 13 , wherein the reflector is glued or welded to the optical fiber. 
     
     
       15. The light module according to  claim 13 , wherein the reflector has a reflecting surface receiving the second end of the optical fiber in abutment contact. 
     
     
       16. The light module according to  claim 13 , wherein the reflector has a concave reflecting surface. 
     
     
       17. The light module according to  claim 13 , wherein the reflector has a plane reflecting surface. 
     
     
       18. The light module according to  claim 13 , further comprising a lens positioned between the light source and the first end of the optical fiber, such that the illumination beam emitted by the light source is focalized toward the first end of the optical fiber.